Children's Home run by Brighton and Hove City Council in Brighton and Hove

Unique reference number SC044880 Inspection date 26/03/2012 Inspector Kevin Whatley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/10/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Brief description of the service

Young people with a learning difficulty stay at this home that is operated by a local authority. Up to eight young people can be accommodated for respite or permanent care placements.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

At the last inspection in October 2011, the home was judged as outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made on that occasion. Young people remain at the centre of practice. The continuing commitment from the management and staff team ensure the specific needs of young people are consistently met. Unknown circumstances are responded to in an excellent manner thus ensuring the individual needs of young people are not aversely affected by changes outside of their control.

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Progress

The home continues to be managed effectively and efficiently. Staff speak positively of the support they receive and of their commitment and enjoyment of working in the home. Care professionals outside of the home praise most highly the way it is run and the expertise of staff. Monitoring systems ensure all aspects of care provision are routinely reviewed both internally and externally. A format to meet the requirements as defined by regulation 34 is not yet in place, but is currently being considered to allow for more in depth analysis.

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Progress

The home environment continues to offer young people a high standard of accommodation and facilities in a homely and relaxed atmosphere. Since the last inspection, new lounge furniture and soft furnishings have been purchased, while a large interactive television offers young people increased opportunities to utilise contemporary learning and entertainment equipment. Other improvements include involvement with the 'parents charter' quality assurance process; the service achieved a high score in an objective assessment. Care and transitional planning programmes have been improved to better match the situation of adult placements, while the numbers of staff are being increased to bring the team nearer to full strength.

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Progress

The staff team offer a wealth of knowledge and experience which is implemented in practice for the benefit of those in their care. Staff understand the often complex needs of young people extremely well and in doing so enable them to make progress in their lives. Young people share positive and caring relationships with staff and are supported and enabled to engage as fully as possible in their lives. The home continues to develop practice and service provision. It is settled, and focused on young people in all aspects of care, support and intervention.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure that an evaluation of the monthly monitoring of matters set out in Schedule 6 is sent to HMCI at six-monthly intervals. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, para.3.14)

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